Method and apparatus for obtaining multiple user credentials

ABSTRACT

A method for a system includes forming within an app running upon a user smart-device, an ephemeral ID having data associated with a server and anonymous data, outputting the ephemeral ID to a first receiver associated with a first computer and to a second receiver associated with a second computer system separate from the first, receiving from the first receiver an identifier and a nonce, providing the identifier and the nonce to the server, receiving from the server a token associated with the first computer system authorizing access to the first computer system but not the second computer system by the user smart-device, storing the token for facilitated authentication of the user smart-device, and providing the token to the first receiver.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of PCT App. No.PCT/US19/37553 filed Jun. 17, 2019, that is a non-provisional of andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/685,292 filed Jun. 15,2018, and is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/789,063filed Jan. 7, 2019. These references are incorporated by referenceherein, for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to systems, methods and devices forfirst party identification and more particularly to systems, methods anddevices for a universal ID.

Presently, attempts to create what the inventors refer to as a universalidentification (ID) signal for an individual, have involved frameworksor underlying models in which the burden of implementing thesignal—broadcasting it and ensuring that devices detect it—rests on theindividual. This task of creating a personal signal, or what theinventors refer to as a transponder or beacon, is beyond the technicaldomain of the vast majority of users. This is one of the barriers thathas prevented the growth of a universal identification signal forindividuals, universal in the sense that the signal is not tied to ordetectable only by a specific manufacturer, social media or networkprovider, or company.

One of the inventors' goals of a universal identification signal is toallow a user to identify and interact with a variety of physical worlddevices or objects by different manufacturers in a manner that allowsfor strict data control, security, and privacy. In contrast, currentuser ID models follow a “silo” model. In typical silo models, users emita specific ID signal via a specific application on a specific device,such as from a smart phone, and the specific ID signal is onlydetectable by a specific entity, such as an appliance manufacturer, acar manufacturer, or online social media provider, or the like. Thespecific IDs are thus not universal, for example a Hilton user ID cannotbe used for boarding a United Airlines flight. These siloed systems donot provide sufficient mapping to physical, real world environments andspaces that is needed to be useful, safe, and secure.

The inventors believe the silo model of user identification signalswhere each vendor, each hotel, each apartment, and the like is highlydisadvantageous to users and more importantly to their smart devices.Some disadvantages include that the multiple applications take up largeportions of the memory in smart devices, crowding out memory for photos,videos, other applications, and the like; another disadvantage is thatwhen executing more than one of these silo applications, the performanceof the smart device is impacted because there are large amounts of datathat need to be cached for each of the programs, and switching betweenprograms often become sluggish; another disadvantage is that having alarge number of applications running at the same time can cause memorymanagement problems in the user's smart device, causing crashes andother anomalous behaviors; and the like. Accordingly, the inventorsbelieve the silo model often adversely affects the performance of smartdevices.

There are some implementations, presently in limited use, thatessentially leverage one online identity or profile to interact withvarious types of devices. Besides the security and data control/privacyconcerns this raises, such single online personas do not truly reflecthow individuals behave or act in the real, physical world. Humaninteractions with physical environments have developed over millennia,as such, it should not be expected that this behavior be reflected inonline personas.

Other factors that have prevented universal or even quasi-universalsignal technology from widespread adoption include generally a lack ofmotivation from manufacturers and companies to create their own apps,portals, back-end infrastructure, and so on, that would be needed toimplement a signal or beacon framework with their customers. Again, thisleads to a siloed approach that is simply not worth the expense andmaintenance for many entities. Returning to the first point of placingtoo much of the technical burden of implementing universal signals onthe users, it is certainly possible to create sensing points in anenvironment, but this framework requires that users modify theirbehavior, act in a different way and actually require that additionalactions be taken by users. What is needed is a framework that does notrequire this of users and where the physical world or environment beessentially smarter and place minimal additional burden on the users toallow for seamless natural interactions.

SUMMARY

This invention relates generally to systems, methods and devices forfirst party identification and more particularly to systems, methods anddevices for a universal ID. With embodiments of the present invention,storage memory of smart-devices is increased due to the reduced numberof applications and programs that need to be stored, and the performanceof the smart-devices is increased due to the lower number ofapplications required to operate simultaneously, while still providingthe functionality desired by a user. In various embodiments, thereduction in demand on smart-device resources provide advantages to asmart device in terms of amount of free memory available forapplications and the speed and efficient performance of applicationsrunning upon the smart device.

One aspect disclosed is a method of enabling a universal identifiersignal, also referred to as a universal personal transponder (e.g.transceiver), using a beacon apparatus and a detector apparatus thatperforms as a scanner or sensor. In various embodiments, the beacon maybe a smartphone, wearable device or other smart apparatus carried by auser, and broadcasts what is referred to as an ephemeral identifier.This ephemeral ID is typically enabled by an application installed onthe smartphone or smart apparatus. The ephemeral ID is then detected orsensed by a detector device which may be constantly scanning theenvironment for ephemeral IDs and related data. In various embodiments,the detector can be built into a wide variety of devices, such asappliances, electronic equipment, public kiosks, controlled accesspoints and the like. As described below, the detector device resolvesthe ephemeral ID to a user of a specific beacon apparatus, that is, theephemeral ID is matched to a specific registered individual or user. Adedicated server, typically operated by a (e.g. universal) signalservice provider, receives at least a portion of the ephemeral ID andverifies an access-control list (i.e. determines stored user data)associated with the specific registered user associated with theephemeral ID. A first set of user data is then transmitted from thededicated server to the detector device, such as a controlled accesspoint (e.g. door lock, security door, turnstile, security system,elevator, gate), a coffee machine, kitchen appliance, TV monitor, pointof sale device, loyalty card kiosk, automobile, appliance, vendingmachine, environmental controls, etc. The detector device then performsoperations based upon the first set of user data to enable substantiveand meaningful interactions with the beacon (i.e., the user), such asunlocking a lock, turning on lights, registering the user, or the like.In some embodiments, the actions required by the beacon device arereduced or minimized and the majority of the operations are taken on bythe detector device. That is, the user and the user's smartphone doesnot need to perform any proactive operations or acts in order to havethe user's universal ID signal be recognized by the door lock or havemeaningful interaction with the door lock, such as unlocking the doorfor the user. In other embodiments, the beacon device may perform someof the access functions with the dedicated server automatically, withoutspecific user interaction.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for implementing auniversal personal transponder environment includes a beacon apparatuscarried by a user that includes universal personal ID transpondersoftware. The user enters an environment or space that has one or morescanner devices which are constantly scanning for a universal ID signalbeing emitted by the beacon by virtue of the transponder software. Thedetection of the universal ID signal occurs with minimal operations oractions needed by the user or the beacon apparatus. The software moduleon the beacon enables interaction with nearly any type of scanner devicethat has the necessary transponder software and hardware connectivitycomponent. A dedicated server has a database for storing various typesof data and multiple software modules for implementing the universalpersonal transponder environment. In some cases, the server may beoperated and owned by a universal personal transponder service provider(SAAS) which operates the system for the benefit of the user and thescanner or detector device manufacturers or operators which may includea wide variety of device from door locks to electronic equipment. Inother cases, the server may be operated and/or owned by a detectordevice manufacturer (e.g. controlled access point) and still becompatible with the universal ID signal from the universal ID software.In some embodiments, the majority of the processing and proactive stepsneeded to implement the environment is done by the scanner device whichqueries or monitors the beacon (e.g., smartphone) for ephemeral ID data,communicates with the server, and performs a responsive physical action.In various embodiments, the beacon also performs some steps to ensuresecurity and authentication of the user via biometric scanner, password,or the like. In some embodiments, the burden of initiating the processand establishing a session is performed by the scanner device sensingthe ephemeral ID.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method is described. Oneprocess includes scanning with a short-range transceiver in a firstdevice for ephemeral ID signals within a geographic region proximate tothe first device, and detecting with the short-range transceiver, anephemeral ID signal output from a user device, wherein the ephemeral IDsignal does not include personally identifiable information of the user.One method includes transmitting with a wide-area network communicationunit in the first device, at least a portion of the ephemeral ID signaland a first identifier associated with first device to a remote serverassociated with the ephemeral ID signals and receiving with thewide-area network communication unit, a first reply from the remoteserver in response to the portion of the ephemeral ID signal and to thefirst identifier. One technique includes providing an electronicauthorization signal to a first external unit coupled to the firstdevice in response to the first reply, wherein the first external unitis configured to perform a first physical action in response to thefirst reply.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system including a firstdevice is disclosed. In one apparatus, the first device includes ashort-range transceiver configured to capture ephemeral ID signalswithin a geographic region proximate to the first device and configuredto detect an ephemeral ID signal output from a user device, wherein theephemeral ID signal does not include personally identifiable informationof the user. In another apparatus, the first device includes a wide-areanetwork interface configured to transmit at least a portion of theephemeral ID signal and a first identifier associated with first deviceto a remote server associated with the ephemeral ID signals andconfigured to receive a first reply from the remote server in responseto the portion of the ephemeral ID signal and the first identifierassociated with first device. In yet another apparatus, the first deviceincludes an output unit configured to provide an electronicauthorization signal to a first external unit coupled to the firstdevice in response to the first reply, wherein the first external unitis configured to perform a first physical action in response to thefirst reply.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for a system isdescribed. A technique includes forming within an app running upon asmart-device associated with a user, an ephemeral ID signal, wherein theephemeral ID signal comprises a first data portion including dataassociated with a server and a second data portion including data notassociated with the user, and outputting from the app running upon thesmart-device the ephemeral ID signal to a plurality of interfacedevices, wherein the plurality of interface devices comprises a firstinterface device associated with a first computer system and a secondinterface device associated with a second computer system, wherein thefirst computer system is separate from the second computer system. Amethod includes receiving within the app running upon the smart-devicefrom the first interface device an identifier associated with the firstcomputer system and a first randomized set of data, and providing fromthe app running upon the smart-device to the server at least a portionof the identifier associated with the first computer system and thefirst randomized set of data. A process includes receiving within theapp running upon the smart-device from the server a first tokenassociated with the first computer system in response to the portion ofthe identifier associated with the first computer system and the firstrandomized set of data, wherein the first token authorizes access to thefirst computer system by the smart-device, wherein the first token isnot associated with the second computer system, and storing within theapp running upon the smart-device the first token associated with thefirst computer system.

According to one aspect of the invention, a smart device is disclosed.An apparatus includes a processor, a short-range transceiver coupled tothe processor, and a wide-area transceiver coupled to the processor. Asystem includes a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memorycomprises a software application including code configured to beexecuted on the processor, wherein the application is configured to:direct the processor form an ephemeral ID signal, wherein the ephemeralID signal comprises a first data portion including data associated witha server and a second data portion including data not associated with auser, and direct the processor to output signal with the short-rangetransceiver the ephemeral ID to a plurality of interface devices,wherein the plurality of interface devices comprises a first interfacedevice associated with a first computer system and a second interfacedevice associated with a second computer system, wherein the firstcomputer system is separate from the second computer system. In someembodiments, an application is configured to: direct the processor toreceive with the short-range transceiver from the first interface devicean identifier associated with the first computer system and a firstrandomized set of data, and direct the processor to output with thewide-area transceiver to the server at least a portion of the identifierassociated with the first computer system and the first randomized setof data. In some embodiments, an application is configured to direct theprocessor to receive with the wide-area transceiver a first tokenassociated with the first computer system in response to the portion ofthe identifier associated with the first computer system and the firstrandomized set of data, wherein the first token authorizes access to thefirst computer system by the smart-device, wherein the first token isnot associated with the second computer system, and to direct theprocessor to store in the memory the first token associated with thefirst computer system.

According to yet another aspect, an authorization system is disclosed.One system includes a smart device configured to form an ephemeral IDsignal, wherein the ephemeral ID signal comprises a first data portionincluding data associated with a server and a second data portionincluding data not associated with the user, wherein the smart device isconfigured to provide the ephemeral ID signal to a plurality ofinterface devices, wherein the plurality of interface devices comprisesa first interface device associated with a first computer system and asecond interface device associated with a second computer system,wherein the first computer system is separate from the second computersystem. An apparatus includes the first interface device coupled to thesmart device, wherein the first interface device is configured to scanfor ephemeral ID signals in a geographic area proximate to the firstinterface device; wherein the first interface device is configure toreceive the ephemeral ID signal, wherein the first interface device isconfigured to authenticate the ephemeral ID signal, and wherein thefirst interface device is configured to provide a first identifier and afirst randomized set of data to the smart device. One device includesthe second interface device coupled to the smart device, wherein thesecond interface device is configured to scan for ephemeral ID signalsin a geographic area proximate to the second interface device; whereinthe second interface device is configure to receive the ephemeral IDsignal, wherein the second interface device is configured toauthenticate the ephemeral ID signal, and wherein the second interfacedevice is configured to provide a second identifier and a secondrandomized set of data to the smart device. In some embodiments, a smartdevice is configured to receive the first identifier and the firstrandomized set of data from the first interface device, wherein thesmart device is configured to provide the first identifier and the firstrandomized set of data to the server, wherein the smart device isconfigured to receive the second identifier and the second randomizedset of data from the second interface device, and wherein the smartdevice is configured to provide the second identifier and the secondrandomized set of data to the server. A device may include a servercoupled to the smart device, wherein the server is configured to receivethe first identifier and the first randomized set of data from the smartdevice, wherein the server is configured to form a first tokenassociated with the first interface device in response to the firstidentifier and the first randomized set of data, wherein the server isconfigured to provide the first token to the smart device, wherein thefirst token authorizes access to the first computer system by thesmart-device, wherein the first token is not associated with the secondcomputer system, wherein the server is configured to receive the secondidentifier and the second randomized set of data from the smart device,wherein the server is configured to form a second token associated withthe second interface device in response to the second identifier and thesecond randomized set of data, and wherein the server is configured toprovide the second token to the smart device, wherein the second tokenauthorizes access to the second computer system by the smart-device,wherein the second token is not associated with the first computersystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the present invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings arenot to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, thepresently described embodiments and the presently understood best modeof the invention are described with additional detail through use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an overview flow diagram of a process in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a physical environment showing differenttypes of devices and users with beacons;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing some components for variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a process of a user joining the universalID signal framework as implemented by a service provider in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a process of registering and initializing adevice so that it can be a universal ID signal sensing device in aphysical space in some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process of passive detection of auniversal signal presence in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process of transmitting a universal IDsignal between a beacon and a device and initiating interaction betweenthem in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process of operations that occur on thedevice when the device is online in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process that occurs on the device when thedevice is offline in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer systemcapable of implementing various processes in some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a process according to various embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 11 is another block diagram of a process according to variousembodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is another block diagram of a reader according to variousembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. Thepresented concepts may be practiced without some or all of thesespecific details. In other instances, well known process operations havenot been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure thedescribed concepts. While some concepts will be described in conjunctionwith the specific embodiments, it will be understood that theseembodiments are not intended to be limiting. On the contrary, it isintended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments asdefined by the appended claims.

For example, methods and systems will be described in the context ofcreating, utilizing, and managing security and authentication for auniversal, personal ID signal. In the following description, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various embodiments. Particular example embodimentsmay be implemented without some or all of these specific details. Inother instances, well known process operations have not been describedin detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the describedembodiments. Various techniques and mechanisms will sometimes bedescribed in singular form for clarity.

It should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations ofa technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism or techniqueunless noted otherwise. For example, a system uses a processor in avariety of contexts. However, it will be appreciated that a system canuse multiple processors while remaining within the scope of thedescribed embodiments unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, thetechniques and mechanisms will sometimes describe a connection betweentwo entities. It should be noted that a connection between two entitiesdoes not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a varietyof other entities may reside between the two entities. For example, aprocessor may be connected to memory, but it will be appreciated that avariety of bridges and controllers may reside between the processor andmemory. Consequently, a connection does not necessarily mean a direct,unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.

Various embodiments describe providing universal identity and physicalpresence detection in the form of a personal, universal signal. Thissignal allows a user to interact with devices in the user's environmentwithout having to download vendor-specific apps, set up vendor-specificaccounts or be limited to a siloed eco-system of a manufacturer brand.Such a personal universal signal representing an individual allows fordevices and software to detect and query the beacon transmitting thesignal for information relating to the user and augmented onto thephysical environment. This provides a more personalized, efficient, and,in some instances, secure experience for the user.

The embodiments focus on reducing or minimizing user workload to allowfor seamless interactions with her environment, such as, for example,the user being able to walk up to a TV anywhere in the world and havingthe TV (using the user's universal signal) detecting the user andquerying for the user's personal preferences and accounts. The user canthen, using voice commands, for example telling the TV to play theirfavorite TV show by saying “play Game of Thrones.” The TV, using theuser's authenticated universal signal can then access the user'spersonal preferences and accounts (e.g., Netflix account), and can thenpull up the show and play it automatically. This can be done without theuser using a specific app on the TV, setting up a TV specific account,logging into accounts, or owning the TV. In another example, a user canwalk up to a door, and have the door automatically unlock for the user,once the user reaches a sufficiently close distance so that the user canpassively walk through the door without having to do anything. In suchexamples, this is because the door sensed the user's universal signalID, verified that the user has access to pass through the door andunlocks the door for the user. Again, this is done without the userbeing tied to the door manufacturer, or device, or to a specific accountor app needed to serve such interaction. As such, the variousembodiments provide and enable a universal signal for users and devicesto interact, where all parties benefit from a seamless and natural wayof interacting in the physical world.

Methods and systems for implementing a smart environment where a user'spresence is sensed by a scanner are described in the various figures. Inone embodiment, the environment is a physical space in which scannersdetect the presence of a user via a universal identifier signal that isemitted from the user's mobile device which operates as a personalbeacon. In this framework, the scanners perform most of the back-endoperations and, for the beacon (e.g. a user's phone or watch), workloadis significantly reduced. In this respect, by taking the burden ofimplementing the universal ID signal, the environment or physical spaceproviding the framework may be described as intelligent or smart. Theusers simply need to do move around and behave normally. The devicesaround them in the space or environment they are moving in detects theusers and the smart space performs the necessary communications andprocessing to realize the benefits described herein.

FIG. 1 is an overview flow diagram of a process in accordance with oneembodiment. At step 102 an entity operates as a beacon and moves aroundin a physical space. In the described embodiment, the entity maybe ahuman being and the space can be any environment such as a home, anoffice, a retail store, a lobby, a public space, a sidewalk, to name afew examples. Another way to describe it is that an entity can be anyobject or thing for which a universal ID signal would be useful, such asa car, bicycle, or animal. At step 104 an environment or space in whichat least one scanner operates is created. A scanner can be manifested orimplemented in many ways. In the described embodiment, a scanner (alsoreferred to as “device” herein; beacons, typically mobile devices, arereferred to herein as “beacon” “user” or “smartphone”) can be a homeappliance, door lock, monitor, a car, a kiosk, a consumer electronicdevice, and so on. The type of devices found in an environment or spacewill naturally be dependent on the nature of the space. At step 104,manufacturers or other entities which either make the scanners oroperate or manage them are signed up and registered to have scanners inthe environment. A home will have different types of devices than aretail store or an office lobby, and so on. A common feature of mostdevices or scanners in the described embodiment is that they aregenerally stationary; they are not expected to move around in thephysical space, but they can, and the inventive concepts describedherein would still apply. At step 106 a device detects a beacon byvirtue of the beacon signal and initial interaction between device andbeacon may begin.

The initial interaction may be one of two types. One is referred to aspassive interaction shown in step 108. Here the device detects thepresence of a beacon signal. The device may not determine the identityof the user, that is, the user remains anonymous. In another passivemode embodiment, the user may be identified but only in a dedicatedserver operated, typically, by a service provider, described below, andnot on the device itself. Although generally this back-end server willbe online, in one embodiment the server, that is, the service provider,may be accessible without an Internet connection or being online (e.g.,via Ethernet, Zigbee, and the like). This passive scanning or detectingpresence of a beacon may be useful in various contexts, such as countingthe number of people in a room or space, or whether someone just walkedinto a space. Essentially, the device wants to sense users around it,but the individual dictates the privacy. The user is the gatekeeper onhis or her identity. The device that detects or sense the presence ofthe user may interact, it may do something, but that action does nothave privacy concerns or require user authorization, hence, the passivenature of the interaction.

Another type of interaction that may be initiated is referred to assecured exchange where there is authentication of the user shown in step110. Here tokens are used to authenticate and the device can makeauthorization requests. One example that illustrates this clearly iswhere the device is a door lock which detects the presence of a user andwill only unlock if the user is authorized to open the door; the usermust prove to the device (door lock) that she has access to open thedoor. In one embodiment, tokens are used to prove that the user isauthorized. The beacon signal has at least one signed token from aback-end server that authenticates the user to the device. Once thisauthentication is made, the device will perform the relevant action andinteract with the user. It may be noted that in either passive orsecured exchange scenarios, the device may interact with the user asshown in step 112, but the level or degree of interaction will naturallyvary.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a physical environment showing differenttypes of devices and users with beacons. Beacons can take various forms,most are Internet-enabled, but the most common are smartphones andwearables, such as watches or bracelets and may include bio-implants andother forms of personal mounted fixtures. As noted, the user will mostlikely be an individual, but may also be a moving object or an animal,such as a pet. Also shown are devices which can take on many forms, mostare Internet-enabled. Devices may be home appliances and electronics,office equipment, ranging from refrigerators, coffee makers, door locks,TVs, vending machines, kiosks, cars, monitors, and so on. As describedin greater detail below, a device may have its own server contained init (to do universal signal actions) or may not need a service providerserver at all. In the described embodiment the device accesses a serviceprovider server to carry out some or all of the operations needed forthe present invention. A service provider server, also referred to asthe back-end server, is also shown. This server has numerous roles, butone of the primary ones is to authenticate the user and maintainaccess-control lists for beacons and devices. This back-end server ismaintained and operated by the universal ID signal service providerwhich is responsible for implementing the universal ID signal and smartenvironment of the present invention. It provides a software module orapp (application) that the user installs on her smart phone or wearablethereby enabling it as a personal beacon. And it provides software,hardware or both to device manufacturers and operators. For example, itcan provide a software development kit (SDK) for the manufacturer ordetector/scanning hardware, such as a Bluetooth module or sensor, if themanufacturer or device operator needs such a hardware component to putin their device. For example, a lock manufacturer may not have thetechnical means or desire to obtain the appropriate sensor desired forthe invention so the service provider can provide the sensor hardware tothem and instruct them on how to install it. The device manufacturerwill decide what type of capabilities their device(s) will need wheninteracting with users and what type of security and authorization willbe required from its users. It instructs the service provider on whatdata it needs from the beacon in order to interact securely and safelywith its users.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing three primary components needed forimplementing various embodiments of the present invention. A user actslike a beacon 302. The user, in nearly all instances, a singleindividual (in some cases a “user” may be a group of people like afamily, a group of co-workers, a team, etc.) carries an apparatus thatacts as the beacon. As noted, this can be a smartphone, bracelet, watch,or any suitable wearable device. Beacon 302 has installed on it aservice provider software module 304, that implements the personaluniversal ID signal of the present invention.

A device 306 acts as the detector or scanner in the environment. Asdescribed, device 306 can take the form of one of a multitude of objectsfrom ranging from appliances to electronic equipment to public vendingmachines. Nearly all have a software module 308 that is provided by theservice provider and installed either by the provider or by themanufacturer. Software module 308, as well as module 304, performs manyof the operations described in the flow diagrams below. In someembodiments, device 306 may also have a hardware component 310, such asa Bluetooth component or other hardware needed for connectivity (e.g.transmitter and receiver) with beacon 302 or with a dedicated server,the other component in FIG. 3. This hardware component may be providedby the service provider.

A service provider server 312 is operated and managed by the universalID signal provider and may have extensive software modules, such as theuniversal signal app 316, and at least one database 314 which storesdata on beacons (users), devices, access control tables, and a widevariety of data needed to implement the universal signal environment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrate a logical flow diagram illustrating the processdescribed below in FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIG. 5. In FIG. 10 systems areillustrated including a user device (e.g. a smart phone, smart watch,ring, tablet, wearable device, augmented reality glasses) 1002 coupledto a reader 1004 and to a cloud-based server 1006, and a peripheraldevice 1008. In FIG. 10, a peripheral access control system (PACS) 1010is also illustrated coupled to cloud-based server 1006 and to peripheraldevice 1008.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a process of a user joining the universalID signal framework as implemented by a service provider in accordancewith one embodiment. A user, typically an individual, has decided tojoin the universal ID signal framework. In one context, an employer mayask all of its employees to join so that the advantages of the universalsignal can be realized in an office or company campus environment. Thefirst step taken by the user is shown at step 401 where the userdownloads a service provider universal ID signal app (“app”) onto hersmart phone 1002 or wearable apparatus (for ease of explanation,collectively referred to as “smartphone”). Generally, the app canoperate in most widely used personal devices, platforms or operatingsystems, such as Android, iOS, and others that run on phones, watches,bracelets, tablets, bio-chips and the like.

Once downloaded and installed, at step 403 the user enters 1030 at leastsome required basic information about herself. In various embodiments,transmissions between user device 1002 and server 1006 are typically rfcommunication using WiFi, cellular service (e.g. 4G, 5G, etc.), or thelike. Some of the information can be entered at a later time dependingon the apparatus that the app is being installed on. In one embodiment,a subset of the data entered by the user results in the creation ofvarious identifiers. One may be referred to generically as a unique IDwhose use is limited in that it is used primarily, if not only, by theservice provider. This unique ID is not sent to the device, such as anappliance, door lock, coffee machine, etc. Another is a randomlygenerated identifier, referred to herein as a temporary or ephemeral ID.In some embodiments, the ephemeral ID may include random data, pseudorandom data, or data selected from a predetermined set of data. In oneembodiment, a portion of the ephemeral ID is provided 1032 to device1002 and the full ephemeral ID may be generated within user device 1002based upon the portion of the ephemeral ID from server 1006. In otherembodiments, the ephemeral ID may be generated fully within user device1002 based upon data specified by the app running upon the user device1002 (e.g. data that identifies to reader 1004 that the ephemeral ID isbroadcasted from the app on the user's smartphone. As described above,the ephemeral ID may be combined with random, pseudo random, or dataselected from a set of data, or the like (“random”). In someembodiments, ephemeral ID may include at least a first portion includingthe “random” value and a second portion that includes data thatauthenticates the ephemeral ID as being authorized by server 1006. Insome examples, the authenticating data may be a digitally signed messagethat reader 1004 may verify itself or with back-end server 1010 andserver 1006, a private-key encrypted message that reader 1004 maydecrypt itself or via a paired public-key via back-end server 1010 andserver 1006, or the like. This ephemeral ID, for example, may be usedfor anonymous detection by a device of the user. Another identifiercreated from the user data and provided to 1032 user device 1002 isreferred to as a persistent ID, an ID that can be characterized asstable and is created for each user/device manufacturer pair. Forexample, a user may have different persistent IDs for her relationshipwith the monitor, another for her relationship with the coffee machine,the car, the door lock, and so on. Each device manufacturer gets adistinct persistent ID for each user (assuming one device from eachmanufacturer). It may be described as a persistent or permanent versionof an ephemeral ID. At step 405 the data entered and created at step 403is stored in service provider 1006 or manufacture's own dedicatedservers 1010, in most cases this will be the service provider servers.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a process of registering and initializing adevice so that it can be a universal ID signal sensing device in aphysical space in accordance with one embodiment. At step 402 theservice provider determines whether the device has the necessaryhardware for being a scanner as needed for implementing the presentinvention (since the device is new to the space and universal IDframework, the service provider knows that the device does not have theuniversal ID app yet). The service provider obtains a wide variety ofdata and metadata about the device, items such as device name, category,location, identifier(s), make, model, time zone and so on. Some of thisdata is used to let the user know what the device is exactly when sheencounters it in a physical real-world space and wants to decide whetherto interact with it. However, the threshold question determined at step402 is whether the device has the right hardware. If it does, theservice provider only needs to supply and install universal ID signalsoftware which, in the described embodiment, is in the form of asoftware development kit (SDK) as shown in step 404. If the device doesnot have the right hardware for scanning (some smaller scalemanufacturers may not have the means or technical skills to include thishardware in their product) the service provider provides one. In thiscase the software module and the sensor hardware are installed on thedevice which may be done by the device maker or the service provider.

At step 406 information describing the device is stored by the serviceprovider in a database. This data may be used for enabling interactionbetween the device 1004 and the beacon 1002. In some scenarios, the datafor this interaction may be stored on the device itself wherein theservice provider does not play an active role. Some examples of datastored include device ID, single key, private/public key pair, set ofcommands and interactions, actions the user or device can take, atemplate which can be customized for different devices. In oneembodiment, a template may be described as a pre-defined schema ofattributes and metadata. In a simple example, a template for a door lockcan have “lock” and “unlock” whereas a template for a car would likelyhave many more options. At step 408 metadata describing to the deviceand templates are transmitted 1034 to the device and stored there.

At the end of FIG. 4B, the device is now capable of detecting or sensinga beacon 1002 when a beacon with the universal ID signal app executingon it is in the presence of the device 1004. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram ofa process of passive detection of a universal signal presence inaccordance with one embodiment. With continued reference to the examplein FIG. 10, in FIG. 5, at step 502 a user (as noted, the term “user” isinterchangeable with “beacon” and “smartphone” 1002) enters anenvironment or physical space that has scanning devices, e.g. 1004. Itis important to note here that the user is in control of her personaluniversal ID signal. The user can turn the signal on (by executing theapp downloaded at step 401) or not turn it on. There are also measuresthat can be taken to ensure that the universal signal is coming from theright individual and not an imposter or some other intentional orunintentional unauthorized person. At step 502 the user turns on thesignal via a smartphone or wearable apparatus 1002 once another factorhas passed. For example, the signal turns on only after a smart watchhas detected the user's heart pattern or other biometric means to verifythe identity of the user wearing the watch or carrying the smartphone.Only at this point is the signal turned on. This prevents otherindividuals from impersonating the user by wearing the user's smartwatch or other wearable. At step 504 a beacon 1002 in the environmentbroadcasts 1012 the ephemeral ID. In some embodiments, transmissionsbetween beacon 1002 and reader 1004 may be performed via short-rangecommunications, such as BLE, Zigbee, NFC, or the like. At step 506 adevice 1004 detects or senses the beacon 1002 and reads the beacon'sephemeral ID. A non-persistent minimal connection is establishedinitially between the beacon and the device. The universal ID signal appdoes not tie up the device exclusively (unlike other IoT devices).Because of the non-persistent nature of the connection some typicalscaling issues are avoided. No permanent bonding or tie-up is needed inthe personal universal ID signal implementation and framework of thepresent invention.

Steps 502 to 506 describe what can be referred to as a sub-process forambient sensing of the beacon 1002 by a device 1004. It may becharacterized as the simplest use case scenario for the universal IDsignal. Ambient sensing can be used in scenarios where users simply haveto be distinguished from one another, such as counting how many usersare near a device or in a room. This ambient sensing may also be seen asa way for a user to potentially communicate with a device if needed. Asillustrated in FIG. 10A, if communication 1014 is possible and thededicated server, such as a service provider server 1006, can beaccessed, the process continues with step 508. In another embodiment,the dedicated server 1006 can be accessed via another communicationmeans, such as Bluetooth, Ethernet, and the like. At step 508, theservice provider server 1006 learns private data about the user. It doesthis by taking 1016 the ephemeral ID and resolving it to an actual orreal user 1018 (as noted, prior to this step, the user was merely ananonymous but distinguishable entity). At step 512 the back-end 1010receives and verifies permissions attached to the user by examining anaccess control list. At step 514 the back-end 1010 sends 1022 user data(e.g. options) based on the access control list to the device 1002 viareader 1004, in other words, it sends 1022 to the device 1002 only dataabout the user that the device 1002 is allowed to see (e.g. optionsavailable to the user of device 1002 such as user transaction history,user account status, amount of stored-value remaining, etc.). In someexamples, where a peripheral device 1008 is a controlled access point1008 (e.g. door), an option available may be to unlock or unlatch; whereperipheral device 1008 is a television, an option available may be toselect from a list of subscription services. In some embodiments, anoption may be manually selected by the user on device 1002 and theselection may be sent 1024 to reader 1004, whereas in other embodiments,if there is one option or a default option, the option need not be sent,or the option may automatically be selected by device 1002 and sent backto reader 1004.

In various embodiments, reader 1004 may send 1026 the selected option toback-end 1010, and if authorized, back-end 1010 directs 1028 peripheraldevice 1008 to perform an action. In the example where peripheral device1008 is a door, the instruction may be to activate a solenoid, or thelike, in a strike plate and allow the user to pull or push open thedoor; in the example where peripheral device 1008 is a television, theinstruction may be to run a Netflix application on the television and tolog into Netflix using the users credentials, for example; and the like.In various embodiments, the back-end 1010 stores a matrix ofpermissions, policies, preferences, and the like regarding users anddevices. In one embodiment, it uses the user's persistent ID which, asnoted, is particular to that user and a specific device pairing.

In some embodiments, if communication 1014 is not possible in real-time,resolving ephemeral ID may be performed via the transfer ofserver-authenticated data by smart phone 1002 to reader device 1004,described below, and/or may be performed via the transfer of signedtokens from server 1006 to smart device 1002 described in FIG. 6.

Returning to step 506, if there is no ephemeral ID or the data needed isalready on the device, characterized as a “local only” option, the dataneeded for sensing the beacon 1002 is on the device 1002 itself and userdata is requested from the device instead of from a service providerserver.

The passive branch shown in FIG. 1 has been described in FIG. 5 steps502 to 514. Steps 510, 516, and 518 illustrate the secure branch fromFIG. 1. As noted, at step 510, in the “local only” step, when the device1004 (or back-end server 1010) does not access service provider servers1006 via the Internet, user data is requested from the device. Steps 516and 518 are needed because the service provider 1006 is not able toauthenticate user data (e.g. ephemeral ID or any type of data from thesmartphone 1002. The perspective of the queries and actions taken insteps 516 and 518 are from the device 1004 perspective. At step 516 thedevice 1004 or, more specifically, the universal ID signal softwaremodule on the device, needs to be able to verify that data it isreceiving from the beacon 1002 at some point has been verified by theservice provider 1006 and is still valid. The device 1004 wants to seethat the data (the data basically conveying, for instance, “I am JohnSmith's smartphone”) has been vouched for by the back-end server, butthat the authentication and identity data the device 1004 receives hasbeen verified. In one embodiment, this is done without using any of theIDs described above (ephemeral, persistent, unique, etc.). Instead dataused to verify the identity depends on the scanning device 1004. Forexample, the data could be an authenticated version 1036 of the user'sdriver license, or verification of the user's voice or face recognitionas matched with a known hash of the user's voice recording or facialimage (for example, stored on the user's smartphone) of the user asbiometric authentication that the user is the correct, intended user.The authentication may be performed by cloud server 1006, or may beperformed by cloud server 1006 in conjunction with a dedicatedauthentication server. Once the device 1004 receives 1038 this proof oris otherwise confident that the data it is receiving is authentic,control goes to step 518. Here the device receives proof from thesmartphone that the user identity data is authentic and that the device1004 can request performance 1028 of the action by peripheral device1008 via server 1010, or in alternative embodiments, device 1004 canrequest 1140 performance of the action directly with peripheral device1008. As described herein, actions may include unlocking a door, turninga TV on to the user's preferred channel, or make coffee how the userlikes it.

FIG. 11 illustrate a logical flow diagram illustrating the processdescribed below in FIGS. 6-8. In FIG. 11 systems are illustratedincluding a user device (e.g. a smart phone, smart watch, ring) 1102coupled to a reader 1104 and to a cloud-based server 1106, and aperipheral device 1108. In FIG. 11, a peripheral access control system(PACS) 1110 is also illustrated coupled to peripheral device 1108.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process of transmitting a universal IDsignal between a beacon 1102 and a device 1104 and initiatinginteraction between them in accordance with one embodiment. At step 602the smartphone or wearable 1102 being carried by a user has entered aphysical space with universal signal-enabled devices 1104 and ispassively transmitting 1112 a universal (ephemeral) ID signal. In someembodiments, transmission 1112 may be performed via short-rangecommunications, such as BLE, Zigbee, NFC, or the like. Similarly. In oneembodiment, this is done by the app in the background essentially whenthe beacon 1102 apparatus is powered on. In other embodiments, the appcan be terminated or, in contrast, be in the foreground, and betransmitting a universal, personal ID signal. In various embodiments,reader 1104 may determine whether the ephemeral ID is in the properformat. If not, reader 1104 may ignore it, and if so, reader 1104 maygenerate a request. In some embodiments, the app is also able to detecta request 1114 from a device 1104 and respond. Although the beacon 1102has the universal ID signal app from the service provider 1106, it doesnot need anything from the device 1104 manufacturer in order to receivethe request from the device 1104 or respond to it. As noted above, theinvention bypasses any form of a “silo” arrangement or framework. Thesensors in the devices that are scanning can connect to the beacons.

At step 604 the beacon 1102 receives 1114 a request from the device. Theapp is able to either recognize the request or not. If it does notrecognize the request from the device 1104 or has not seen a requestfrom the device 1104 for a long time (a time exceeding a predeterminedthreshold), control goes to step 606. The app requests 1116 anon-repeatable value or nonce from the device and a fixed unique ID forthat device. In some embodiments, the nonce may be random data, pseudorandom data, or data selected from a predetermined set of data. In otherembodiments, this ID can come from the service provider server orthrough other means, such as through an ID tag via near-fieldcommunication or an iBeacon associated with the device. In otherembodiments, in response to the transmission 1112 of the ephemeral ID,reader 1104 may provide 1118 the identifiers. At step 606 the appreceives 1118 these values. At step 608 the app 1102 connects to theservice provider server 1106 and transmits 1128 these two values to theserver 1106. In various embodiments, transmissions between user device1102 and server 1106 are typically rf communication using WiFi, cellularservice (e.g. 4G, 5G, etc.), or the like.

In some embodiments, assuming the server 1106 is able to identify theunique ID as belonging to the device 1104, and assuming the user ofdevice 1102 is authorized, server 1106 grants access between the device1104 and the beacon 1102. The server 1106 uses the nonce for deriving atoken as described below. More specifically, it enables access controland security by transmitting 1120 an array of tokens to the smart phone1102. the server 1106 cannot recognize the device from the ID ordetermines that there is no interest from the user in accessing orinteracting with the device, then tokens are not passed to thesmartphone. In some cases, metadata may be passed 1122 to the smartphonewhich provides publicly available, insecure information related to thedevice such that the user can act on the information (e.g. options). Forexample, the device 1104 may be a public device, such as a kiosk orparking meter, and although most of the time the user is likely toignore the device, if the user wants to learn more about the device(e.g., remaining parking time or rate), the user would be able to do sowith the data returned by the dedicated server. In one embodiment, atoken has one component that is derived from combining the nonce, theunique device ID, device-specific data, time-limited data, userrestrictions, and so on. In one aspect of the present invention thatcommunications between the device 1104 and user 1102 be secure. All thevalues and factors that go into making the token play a critical role inmaking the entire universal ID signal framework secure.

The second component of a single token is referred to as a payloadsection and contains data on user preferences and generally to the userand device. In one embodiment, each token in the array is valid for alimited time period, such as for a few minutes, hours, or days. An arraymay have a few hundred tokens and can be used to prove validity from afew hours to several days. For example, for commercial building access,a token may last for 4-5 hours and be replenished often to ensure thatthere are tokens to last the user through the day.

In another embodiment, where access to a service provider server may notbe available, tokens can be generated on a device, such as a lock, usingother factors, such as biometrics fingerprint, voice recognition, facerecognition or retina scanner part of the device, geo-location,expiration time, and so on. These features can also be used even ifthere is access to the service provider server to provide strongersecurity. As is known in the art, a token is a signed data item,intended to be used once and discarded (as does an entire array oftokens). Getting back to the importance of security in a universal IDsignal framework, the array of tokens that is sent 1120 from the serviceprovider server 1106 to the smart phone 1102, together with othersecurity features, prevents possible hacking and malfeasance, forinstance, “replaying” or emulation (harmful devices emulating valid,authorized devices), among others.

At step 612 the app passes 1124 one of the tokens from the array or theentire array of tokens to the device 1104. In some embodiments, thetoken may pass 1124 via BLE, and in other embodiments, the token maypass via other channel (e.g. NFC, or the like). The device validates thetokens and interactions between the user and the device can begin. Morespecifically, the universal ID signal software module on the device 1104validates the tokens and sends 1126 a message to the smart phone statingthat they can now communicate. Upon receiving this message, at step 614the beacon creates a session and the two can now interact. As disclosedabove in FIG. 10, the session may include communicating optionsavailable, receiving user selections, and the like.

Returning to step 604, if the beacon 1102 app recognizes the request1114 from the device 1104, control continues with step 616 where asession between the smartphone and the device is already active. Thissession is of the same type as the one created at step 614. The array oftokens may be stored in a cache or local storage on the smartphone. Bydoing so, the smartphone 1102 does not have to be online; it can beoffline and operate fast. At step 618 the smartphone continues passing1124 tokens to the device. The smartphone keeps the tokens for apredetermined amount of time, a threshold of time that balances securityand user convenience, for example, a few hours. After that time hasexpired, the app on smart phone 1102 gets a new array of tokens from theservice provider 1106. If they have not expired, the smartphone can keepusing the tokens in the array. At step 620 the interaction between theuser 1102 and the device 1104 can resume. In this manner, that is byexecuting the operations in steps 604 to 614 or steps 604, 616, 618, and620, a secure, truly universal ID signal that is usable by manydifferent types of devices (from various manufacturers) and users can beimplemented.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process of operations that occur on thedevice 1104 when the device 1104 is online in accordance with oneembodiment. At step 702 the service provider server 1106 receives arequest 1130 from a device, for example a car or an appliance, forauthenticating a user 1102. It is helpful to note that a device 1104 canonly see users who have allowed that specific device to recognize or seethem (a category of devices or a specific manufacturer or member groupmay also be specified). Similarly, in some physical environments, suchas a workplace or other secured area, a user is only allowed to seedevices that an overseeing entity (e.g., employer) says she is allowedto see or recognize. Such embodiments may be based upon identifiers thatare transmitted 1118. If the user device 1102 is not allowed torecognize a reader 1104, based upon the reader's identifiers, thecommunication may terminate. In other contexts, a device maker may onlywant users with certain features or characteristics to be able to see orrecognize its devices. Various types of scenarios are possible in whicheither the user or the device maker or owner, manager, and the like canset security protocols regarding who or what can be recognized using theuniversal ID signal. For example, one benefit of this type of securityis that it prevents the equivalent of spamming on both sides. In allscenarios, the underlying security principle that is implemented in thevarious embodiments of the invention is that either side—user ordevice—only gets to see and receive what it needs to in order tointeract and can only get to that point if the user or device isauthorized to see the other. At step 704 the service provider serverchecks user access controls to see if the user is authorized to use thedevice and if so what controls or limits are there. There are differenttechniques or transport mechanisms for how this user access controlcheck can be performed by the service provider. For example, in oneembodiment, there may be an out-of-band token exchange or a tokenserver. The common factor is translating the random, non-identifying ID(e.g. ephemeral ID) for the user that was transmitted 1112 initially tothe device 1104 into a full set of information about the user. Thisinformation can be used in a permission check process. At step 706,assuming the user is authenticated, the service provider servertransmits 1132 the payload to the device 1104 so now the device knowsthe user's preferences, permissions, interaction history, and otherinformation. At step 708 the user 1102 and device 1104 can beginsubstantive interaction.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process that occurs on the device when thedevice is offline in accordance with one embodiment. The end goal ofthis process is essentially the same as that of FIG. 7, except here thedevice 1104 does not communicate with the service provider server 1108.At step 802 the device makes a request 1114 for an array of tokens fromthe user. The nature and characteristics of this array of tokens are thesame as the token array described above. At step 804 the device 1104receives 1124 a token from the beacon 1102. At step 806 the device 1104proceeds with verifying the token using only local resources. In variousembodiments, it can verify or check the signature in the tokens, it cancheck to ensure it has not expired or has not been used before. Throughthese means and others, if available locally, the device authenticatesthe user and interaction between the user (who may or may not be online)and the offline device can begin. As discussed above, this may includeproviding 1134 payload data associated with the user and user device1102, (e.g. a persistent ID, an employee badge number, a store loyaltycard, an account number, a stored-value card number, a credit or debitcard, telephone number, email address, etc.) that is stored within thetoken to back-end server 1110.

As noted above, with regard to security, one notable aspect of that isembedded in the validation period of a token. This period can vary froma few minutes to several weeks. A token for a coffee machine may last 20days whereas for a lock or for making payments, a token may expire afterone hour. This security feature is typically set by the devicemanufacturer; they decide how long to wait before a user has tore-authenticate with the device. Generally, users will have little inputin this regard. Another scenario not described in FIGS. 7 and 8 is whenthe device 1104 and smartphone 1102 are both unable to reach a serviceprovider 1106 or dedicated server and have not connected or interactedwith each other before. In this scenario, even though the smartphone hasthe universal ID signal app and the device registered with the serviceprovider, there is no recognition of each other, let alone anyinteraction.

In various embodiments, if a back-end server 1110 is used, as describedabove, options may be provided 1104 to device 1104 and to smart phone1102, and in response back-end server 110 may receive 1138 a userselection of an option. Back-end server 1110 may then instruct or cause1140 peripheral device 1108 to perform an action for the user, asdiscussed above, such as to unlock a door, control a television, providea product (e.g. a vending machine), etc. In other embodiments, if aback-end server 1110 is not used, device 1104 may directly instruct 1150peripheral device to perform the action.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a data processing system 900 is depicted inaccordance with some embodiments. Data processing system 900 may be usedto implement one or more computers used in a controller or othercomponents of various systems described above, such as a smart device, areader device, or the like. In some embodiments, data processing system900 includes communications framework 902, which provides communicationsbetween processor unit 904, memory 906, persistent storage 908,communications unit 910, input/output (I/O) unit 912 and display 914. Inthis example, communications framework 902 may take the form of a bussystem.

Processor unit 904 serves to execute instructions for software that maybe loaded into memory 906. Processor unit 904 may be a number ofprocessors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor,depending on the particular implementation. Memory 906 and persistentstorage 908 are examples of storage devices 916. A storage device is anypiece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, forexample, without limitation, data, program code in functional form,and/or other suitable information either on a temporary basis and/or apermanent basis. Storage devices 916 may also be referred to as computerreadable storage devices in these illustrative examples. Memory 906, inthese examples, may be, for example, a random-access memory or any othersuitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 908may take various forms, depending on the particular implementation. Forexample, persistent storage 908 may contain one or more components ordevices. For example, persistent storage 908 may be a hard drive, aflash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, orsome combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage 908also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be usedfor persistent storage 908.

Communications unit 910, in these illustrative examples, provides forcommunications with other data processing systems or devices. In theseillustrative examples, communications unit 910 is a network interfacecard. Input/output unit 912 allows for input and output of data withother devices that may be connected to data processing system 900. Forexample, input/output unit 912 may provide a connection for user inputthrough a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device.Further, input/output unit 912 may send output to a printer. Display 914provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs maybe located in storage devices 916, which are in communication withprocessor unit 904 through communications framework 902. The processesof the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit 904using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in amemory, such as memory 906.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usableprogram code, or computer readable program code that may be read andexecuted by a processor in processor unit 904. The program code in thedifferent embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computerreadable storage media, such as memory 906 or persistent storage 908.

Program code 918 is located in a functional form on computer readablemedia 920 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto ortransmitted to data processing system 900 for execution by processorunit 904. Program code 918 and computer readable media 920 form computerprogram product 922 in these illustrative examples. In one example,computer readable media 920 may be computer readable storage media 924or computer readable signal media 926.

In these illustrative examples, computer readable storage media 924 is aphysical or tangible storage device used to store program code 918rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code 918.

Alternatively, program code 918 may be transmitted to data processingsystem 900 using computer readable signal media 926. Computer readablesignal media 926 may be, for example, a propagated data signalcontaining program code 918. For example, computer readable signal media926 may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/or anyother suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted overcommunications channels, such as wireless communications channels,optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other suitabletype of communications channel.

The different components illustrated for data processing system 900 arenot meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrativeembodiments may be implemented in a data processing system includingcomponents in addition to and/or in place of those illustrated for dataprocessing system 900. Other components shown in FIG. 9 can be variedfrom the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may beimplemented using any hardware device or system capable of runningprogram code 918. As used hereafter, the “signal”, is the universal IDsignal recited above and the first party is the party with the universalID.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. More specifically, FIG. 12 illustrates a blockdiagram of a reader device 1200 described herein and illustrated as 1004in FIGS. 10 and 1104 in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, device 1200includes an rf control module 1202, a controller 1204, memory 1206, anaccelerometer 1208, visual/haptic output 1210, audio output 1212,antennas 1214, interface bus 1216, and an interface module 1218.

In some embodiments, controller 1204 may be embodied as a NordicnRF52832 system on a chip, suitable for controlling Bluetooth low energy(BLE) communications and for performing various functionalitiesdescribed herein. Controller 1204 may include a processor, such as a32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M4F CPU and include 512 kB to 64 kB RAM. In variousembodiments, other types of SoC controllers may also be used, such asBlue Gecko from Silicon Labs, CC2540 from TI, or the like. Controller1202 may be embodied as a muRata 1LD WiFi/BLE module, suitable forcontrolling Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and WiFi communications.Controller 1202 may include a processor, such as a 32-bit ARM®Cortex®-M4. In various embodiments, other types of controllers may alsobe used, such as CYW43012 from Cypress, or the like. In someembodiments, modules 1202 and 1204 enable communication via short rangecommunications protocols, such as BLE. Modules 1202 and 1204 may alsosupport mesh networking via BLE. In some embodiments, module 1202 alsosupports WiFi communications to communicate over a wide-area network(e.g. Internet).

In various embodiments, memory 1206 may include non-volatile memorystoring embodiments of the executable software code described herein. Insome embodiments, the memory may be SRAM, Flash memory, or the like. InFIG. 12, Audio/haptic output 1212 is provided to give a user audiofeedback or haptic feedback and visual output 1210 is provided to give auser visual feedback. In some embodiments, visual output 1210 may be oneor more LED lights having different colored outputs, may be a statusdisplay panel. The feedback may be provided to the user based upon theuser smart device interacting with reader device 1200. For example, ifthe smart device does not have the proper credentials for reader device1200, a harsh buzzing sound may be played by audio output 1210, and ared flashing light may be output by visual output 1210; if the smartdevice is authenticated with reader device 1200, a bell ding sound maybe played and the text “OK” may be displayed on a display; if the smartdevice is not authenticated with reader device 1200, an audio messageand textual message may be output: “Not authenticated. For access,please call . . . ” or the like.

Accelerometer 1028 is provided to determine whether reader device 1200is tampered with. For example, after installed and operable on amounting location (e.g. on a wall), accelerometer 1028 monitors theorientation of accelerometer 1028 with respect to gravity. If a partyattempts to remove reader device 1200 from a mounting surface,accelerometer 1028 will be able to sense the change in orientation.Based upon the change in orientation exceeding a threshold, a number ofactions may be taken by reader device 1200. One action may be to ceaseoperation of reader device 1200, another action may be to alert a remoteserver of the tampering, and the like.

In FIG. 12, interface 1216 is used to couple reader device 1200 tointerface module 1218. In various embodiments, interface module 1218interfaces with any number of external functional modules. In oneconfiguration, external functional module may be simply a peripheraldevice under control, e.g. an electronically controlled door latch, atelevision, or the like; in another configuration, the externalfunctional module may be an external reader module that is configured toread conventional low frequency or high frequency (LF/HF/UHF/etc.)-basedproximity cards or badges; and the like. In some embodiments, theexternal reader module may be an existing reader mounted upon a wall, orthe like. In some embodiments, interface 1216 may provide power toreader module 1200; interface 1216 may transmit data from reader device1200 to interface module 1218 (e.g. ephemeral ID), or the like

In one configuration, rf control module 1202 is not used, and only oneBLE antenna 1214 is provided; in another configuration, modules 1202 and1204 are both used, and two BLE antennas 1214 are used (one specificallyfor scanning for ephemeral IDs within a geographic region and onespecifically for handling communications with a smart device). Suchembodiments are particularly useful in high volume situations whereinone BLE antenna may receive ephemeral IDs from many different smartdevices (e.g. 30 users walking down a hall near a security door orvending machine), whereas the other BLE antenna will provide thecredentials and receive a token from the specific users' smart phoneswho want to interact with the reader (e.g. enter the security door,receive a good, or the like). In other embodiments, other channels maybe used to provide the above communications, such as short-range WiFi,Zigbee, NFC, ANT, or the like.

In still another configuration, additional modules 1220 may be providedto add additional functionality to reader module 1200. In someembodiments, module 1220 may be an rf encoding module that converts dataassociated with the user (e.g. a badge number) into a format (e.g.LF/HF/UHF badge or tag) that is readable by a conventional RFID card orbadge reader. In some embodiments, module 1220 may include one orbiometric capture devices that capture biometric data of a userassociated with a smart device. In some embodiments, biometric data mayinclude facial data, voice data, eye data (e.g. iris, retina, bloodvessel), print data (e.g. fingerprints, palm print, blood vessel),movement data (e.g. signature, movement, gait), and the like.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for universalpresence detection and interactions. As a non-limiting example, theuniversal ID signal is created that represents clients, people or otherobjects hereafter “first party” where any system, sensor or software candetect that signal and queries it for relevant information for servingthe person or object. As a non-limiting example this entails a method ofturning mobile devices, wearables or biochips and the like hereafter“device” into a personal transponder (e.g. transceiver) that emits aunique signal via Bluetooth low energy as in one instance to representthe presence of the person, e.g., user. Things around the user candetect the signal and can transform the signal into a meaningfulmetadata that represents the person or object of the signal.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for instant executionof actions through wireless connections. As a non-limiting example thisincorporates a peripheral and central mode of operation is used toobtain a token. The token is only executed when it is within a thresholdto make for an instant action. By scanning the address or otheridentifier of the device, and keeping a token cached locally in theembedded system, the embedded system can then act instantly on anycommand/intent that the mobile client triggers such that there is no lagbetween the intent and the performed action.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for sensing thepresence of identifiable objects. As a non-limiting sensor technology isused that scans and primes objects nearby which emits a unique universalID signal. As a non-limiting example, the sensor can trigger an emitterto provide specific information about it or the emitter of the presenceuniversal ID signal can detect the scanner and do the same. In thisembodiment systems and methods are provided of turning a sensor intoboth a peripheral and central device for the purposes of detecting thepresence of objects nearby. This can be used to securely make thehandshake and reduce the load on the first party by using the scanner onthe sensor to do most of the hard work to not overload the peripheralmodes.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for passivedetection and identification of passengers, first party, on a movingvehicle. As a non-limiting example this can include use of anaccelerometer and a signaling protocol to conclude that the object beingsensed is in fact travelling with the vehicle that the sensor isattached to. Steps are taken with the universal ID signal and sharescommands between the sensor the passenger to trigger a confirmation thatthe passenger is travelling on the vehicle. The main use case is tosense when people are travelling on a bus or train and to be able to dothings such as process payments for the traveler automatically or totrack the passenger's route.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided to secure offlineinteractions. As a non-limiting example, a method is provided forcollecting a plurality of commands on the first party and a bloom filteris used on the sensor side to certify a secure command through BLE(Bluetooth low energy) has happened without any fall back over theinternet. As a non-limiting example this method can be used to issue anytype of command, including but not limited to payments, metadata, andthe like, between things and a sensor with limited storage capacitywithin proximity without the need for an internet connection.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for securephysical payment processing over wireless local networks. As anon-limiting example, a method of handshaking the connection to aPOS/terminal and the first party's mobile device is used where bothsides are securely verified. Once an amount is entered in a terminal andapplied to the detected entity the payment is batched and processed onthe back end. In this manner there is no exchange of payment informationbetween the terminal and the first party for a safer and secure paymentprocess. In this embodiment the system defines that things are done in aunique way for anything which as non-limiting examples can be GoogleHand's Free, Apple Pay and the like.

In one embodiment systems and methods are provided for wirelessidentification for connecting second party account services access via aproxy agent. As non-limiting examples the system and method allowdevices to detect the first party and access first party accountsincluding but not limited to: Andorra, Netflix, one or more Calendars,an Amazon Account, and the like, through a proxy agent. As anon-limiting use case is the ability to walk up to any Echo like deviceand it instantly recognizes and can say “Hello first party X” and firstparty X can say to it “play my easy music station on Pandora”, havingnever used the device before or having to set up first party X'sspecific account with the Echo device. This is an improvement over theneed to set up an account and limit these devices to just the users withaccounts set to them. Another use case is the ability to use any TVScreen and X's avatar shows. As non-limiting examples as first party Xtaps it all of its' Netflix shows, YouTube videos, and the like, show upfor first party X and to instantly play it. As first party X walks awayit all disappears. All of this exposes an oath to the Netflix account offirst party X to the TV software to start playing it without forcingfirst party X to do another separated Netflix login on the TV.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for wirelessidentification of fixed and roaming objects. As a non-limiting exampleobjects are discovered wirelessly. As non-limiting examples this can beachieved by using this to cover the use case of being able to create awireless (barcode like identifier) that every device can emit to beidentified, including but not limited to, the VIN of a car, a serialnumber of a customer electronic, and the like. This identification canthen be used for situations such as auto paying for parking meters andparking and getting access to buildings, and the like. As anothernon-limiting example this can be used for turning people into beacons.In this manner each individual object then has its own identity beacon.

In another embodiment systems and methods are used for bi-directionalcommunicating beacons. As a non-limiting example this can be one of abi-directional beacon that can not only emit an advertising packet butcan also scan for advertisements to query things around it for usefulinformation or metadata that can be used to serve the subject. Thelimitation of beacons is that they all require a corresponding app thatlistening for the specific beacon to be of any use. By creating abi-directional beacon, it can serve people that have the apps. It canalso serve people who do not have the apps but detects their presencesignature to serve them. This provides a self-contained beacon devicesimilar to current beacons, that operates in both peripheral and centralmodes for the bi-direction natures of detection and communications.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for a wirelessdigital driver's license and verified identification. As a non-limitingexample, this creates an electronic driver's license that emits as awireless signal. Police authorities and the like can detect andinstantly query the license by standing next to the first party. Thefirst party never needs to carry a license anymore or present any infoand their privacy is intact with the use of a universal ID signal. Asnon-limiting examples this provides how the first party enters itsinformation into its account, how identification is verified throughseveral methods, as well as how an associated universal ID signalprovides for security to make the universal ID signal securely availableto authorities through their own mobile devices.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for automaticallypaying fares on public transport. As a non-limiting example providesfor, (i) automatically detecting passengers who are on a publictransport vehicle, (ii) detects when they get on and off and (iii)processes payment for the fare automatically for them on the back endwithout the user having to do anything.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for securedecentralized wireless identification. As a non-limiting example thisprovides for the use of a first party's fingerprint, voice, appearance,and the like to verify identity to some other system without sharing theinformation with second party systems. In one embodiment this isachieved by using the app of the present invention on a device,including but not limited to a mobile device, as the primary validator.A presence protocol is used to bounce the verification step between theproxy detector (fingerprint/scanner, voice/mic, appearance/camera) andthe first party's proxy app such that the first party's identity andbio-info stays within the first party's control and is never shared withany central server or second party system. This provide a securedecentralized method of identification without the need to share firstparty information with others. This can be used for high security needs.It can also be used for additional situations including but not limitedto: buying a new device and using the first party's fingerprint to login and create an account with the device service provider without theneed to fill out any form. The device instantly knows the first partyname and says: “Hello first party X, I'm your new radio, how are youtoday?”. As non-limiting examples this includes but is not limited to:

Vision—face detected and checking that its first patty X by hashingmatching with the face first party X has on its device;

Voice—voice detected and checking that it's the first party by hashingits voice and checking with the proxy app to verify it is the firstparty;

Fingerprints; and

Other Biometrics.

All never leaving the first party's device.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for a universalpeople sensor microchip for universal sensing and identifying peopleinteracting with a product or service.

As a non-limiting example this can include a “Universal People Sensor”as a stand-alone dedicated microchip designed to be embeddable in anyconsumer electronic or manufactured product to allow the product detectpeople that are using the product. It can also be used to extractinformation from the person, all without the person downloading aspecific app or the device creating its own sensor. As a non-limitingexample this provides a method to create the sensor, and how the sensordoes what it does to identify and extract data from first parties. Inone embodiment this includes how a microchip can be designed and itssystem and methods to behave as a universal people sensor microchip forthe purposes of being something that other manufacturers can embed intotheir products as a plug-n-play system.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for wirelesslytransmitting a first part's personal preference. As a non-limitingexample this can include a way for any first person to beam out theirreferences to devices around them. As a non-limiting example thisincludes how a first person can enter how they like their coffee in anapp where a first-person account holds their personal preferences, andthe app will make that information available to any coffee machine orcoffee shop the first person walks into. In this embodiment collecting,organizing and beaming out a first person's personal preference areprovided in a universal way, not as a locked in siloed way which is howall apps/iota devices currently do things.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for physicalaccess identification using facial recognition. As a non-limitingexample, a way is provided to identify a first party and grant themaccess based on them emitting a universal ID signal that verifies whothey are to the reader as a first factor. A reader with a camera uses acamera image to match the face that the first party has in its accountas a second factor. Learning algorithms can be utilized to better matchthe face every time the first party walks into a door.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for physicalaccess identification of a first party using voice recognition. As anon-limiting example, a first party Is identified and then grantedaccess based on emitting a universal ID signal that verifies who thefirst party is to a reader as a first factor. The reader has amicrophone and requires the first party user to say “open” to match thevoice pattern to that of a pre-recorded voice pattern as part of thefirst party signup process. The reader then matches the voice patternthat the first party has in its account as a second factor. Learningalgorithms can be used to better match the voice every time the firstparty walks into a door.

In another embodiment systems and methods detect tailgating activitiesusing wireless sensors and personal devices. As a non-limiting example,a method is provided to detect if a possible tailgating event hasoccurred by requiring all occupants to carry with them a mobile devicethat emits a unique universal ID signal that represents them to areader, paired with other sensors such as thermal imaging or peoplecounter sensors, such that the combined data allows us to count thereare two proxy users. When there are three people passing through thedoor one is a tailgater. Several technologies can be utilized forcounting people including but not limited to WIFI, ultrasound and thelike. As a non-limiting example, he combination of such technologiesworking with the universal ID signal helps to surface tailgating events.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for autonomousvehicle identification of passengers for intended locking, unlocking andpersonalization. As a non-limiting example this provides a method thatthe autonomous cars use a universal ID signal to detect if they are theright passenger they are supposed to pick up without the first partyhaving to do anything. Since cars are required to be locked in motion,autonomous cars need a way to only unlock for the right passenger on thesidewalk such that a random person doesn't jump in the car instead. Thecar can also use a universal ID signal to personalize the driveexperience and to show a screen identifying to the passenger that thiscar is allocated to that first party. In this manner the problem of onecar maker and one app problem is resolved by allowing all cars to usethe same universal ID signal in such a way that the car software canpull in the relevant information needed to give the passenger both apersonalized experience and secure/efficient pick up and openexperience.

In another embodiment systems and methods are provided for machine tomachine proximity payment transactions. As a non-limiting example thiscovers a way for independent machines to send payments to each otherwithout requiring credit cards or a first party to intermediate. Thisallows for machine to machine transactions to occur. As a non-limitingexample this can include: autonomous cars to pay for parking directly toa parking meter without first party involvement, e.g., it is achievedpassively.

In one embodiment an inductive charging of a lock via cylindrical latchmechanism is provided. As a non-limiting example, a charge lock deviceis provided by an inductive coil within a latch mechanism and coilsaround a slot that the latch goes into to lock a door.

In one embodiment inductive charging of lock is provided via a lockfaceplate and a lock device is charged by inductive coils positionedaround door/frame faceplates.

In one embodiment inductive charging of phone devices is provided on acar body. As a non-limiting example, a first party's phone is charged byplacing it on the bonnet of the car, for future cars that use the firstparty's phone as the key as a backup when the phone is dead is can stillcharge and allows entrance into the car.

In one embodiment any AI (assistant AI and voice command AI) can tap theuniversal ID signal representing the first party queries it for usefulinformation to serve the first party.

In one embodiment a knock can be provided on the first party's phone totrigger a command to unlock a door in proximity.

In one embodiment first party phone sensors are used to fingerprint thefirst party such that access to a building is only granted if it's theowner of the phone. As a non-limiting example this can be appliedspecifically for access control and other use cases where the firstparty needs to be identified by its phone.

In one embodiment a first party driver with the universal ID signal anda car with a Universal ID sensor that verifies the first party can drivethe car and enabled ignition and a combination of the first party, carand garage sensing gives access to the car and first party driver forsecure vehicle access.

In one embodiment an organization with a fleet of cars can authorize adriver with insurance information switches over to the car and driverfor the duration of the trip. This can be used as well for a rental carsituation.

In one embodiment energy harvesting is achieved via weight and coil forBeacons in high vibration environments, including but not limited tobuses, cars and the like.

In one embodiment energy harvesting is provided charging door devicesusing a hinge of a door to charge by the motion of the open and closingswinging door to charge via gears.

In one embodiment Idea a first person's universal ID signal (from apedestrian's phone) in traffic for cars and public transport detectspedestrians and cyclists on the road. Transport/traffic systems can useit to optimize public transport and road traffic.

In one embodiment a system presence hub is plugged into a power socketin a garage that then emits a RF signal to open the garage door as thefirst party drives to the garage. This requires no installation and islike how a first party programs its garage relative to obtaining a newtransponder.

In one embodiment an edge system is provided that includes systems andmethods to enable controller-less access control for easy installationand integration into any electrified door system.

In one embodiment background a firmware OTA update system and method areprovided.

In one embodiment systems and methods allow second parties to leverage asystem presence system to be able to detect their beacons withoutneeding first parties to download their own apps.

In one embodiment a bio-chip is provided that emits the universal IDsignal which allows any system to detect it and use it to serve thefirst party in a secure and private way.

In one embodiment a universal way is provided that provides for a car tobe able to give a first party a personalized experience by detecting theuniversal ID signal.

In one embodiment the universal ID signal allows an augmented realitysystem to use it to identify and provide relevant information of peopleaugmented in the system.

In one embodiment a cached token system and methodology are provided viathe universal ID signal.

In one embodiment rotating mac addresses of mobile devices to ensure apersistent signal is achieved using the universal ID signal. Suchsystems can use the universal ID signal without having to track andmonitor the mac address, e.g., a challenge-response exchange.

In one embodiment the universal ID signal is used for logical access asa second factor auth.

In one embodiment a FPGA is used to enable the universal sensor to beuniversally compatible with any embedded system by programmaticallyenabling it to be configured to work with any interface protocol.

In one embodiment a process is provided of using a phone's magnetometerto determine directionality at an access point, i.e. entering or exitingthe door.

In one embodiment each device is represented individually by a card butaccessed collectively via an app container view. Each can be selectedindividually and be expanded to view details and send/receive commandsfrom the associated device.

In one embodiment two BLE radios function in a way to solve forlimitations of BLE not being able to connect and interact with hundredsof other devices/phones, as is illustrated in FIG. 12. As a non-limitingexample one radio scans and tracks advertising addresses and the otherfunctions as the connector that connects and interrogates a device oneby one and disconnects.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not tobe limited to the specific examples illustrated and that modificationsand other examples are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and theassociated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in thecontext of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/orfunctions, it should be appreciated that different combinations ofelements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementationswithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,parenthetical reference numerals in the appended claims are presentedfor illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in thepresent disclosure.

Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary skill in theart after reading this disclosure. In other embodiments, combinations orsub-combinations of the above disclosed invention can be advantageouslymade. The block diagrams of the architecture and flow charts are groupedfor ease of understanding. However, it should be understood thatcombinations of blocks, additions of new blocks, re-arrangement ofblocks, and the like are contemplated in alternative embodiments of thepresent invention.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the claims.

We claim:
 1. A method for a system comprising: forming within an apprunning upon a smart-device associated with a user, an ephemeral IDsignal, wherein the ephemeral ID signal comprises a first data portionincluding data associated with a server and a second data portionincluding data not associated with the user; outputting from the apprunning upon the smart-device the ephemeral ID signal to a plurality ofinterface devices, wherein the plurality of interface devices comprisesa first interface device associated with a first computer system and asecond interface device associated with a second computer system,wherein the first computer system is separate from the second computersystem; receiving within the app running upon the smart-device from thefirst interface device an identifier associated with the first computersystem and a first nonce; providing from the app running upon thesmart-device to the server at least a portion of the identifierassociated with the first computer system and the first nonce; receivingwithin the app running upon the smart-device from the server a firsttoken associated with the first computer system in response to theportion of the identifier associated with the first computer system andthe first nonce, wherein the first token authorizes access to the firstcomputer system by the smart-device, wherein the first token is notassociated with the second computer system; and storing within the apprunning upon the smart-device the first token associated with the firstcomputer system.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the data notassociated with the user comprises data selected from a group consistingof: random data, pseudo random data, and data selected from apredetermined set of data.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprisingverifying in the first interface device that the ephemeral ID signal isverified in response to the first data portion.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein the first token comprises payload data including data associatedwith the user and the first computer system.
 5. The method of claim 1further comprising providing from the app running upon the smart-deviceto the first interface device the first token associated with the firstcomputer system.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receivingwithin the app running upon the smart-device from the second interfacedevice an identifier associated with the second computer system and asecond nonce; providing from the app running upon the smart-device tothe server at least a portion of the identifier associated with thesecond computer system and the second nonce; receiving within the apprunning upon the smart-device from the server a second token associatedwith the second computer system in response to the portion of theidentifier associated with the second computer system and the secondnonce, wherein the second token authorizes access to the second computersystem by the smart-device, wherein the second token is not associatedwith the first computer system; and storing within the app running uponthe smart-device the second token associated with the second computersystem.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the second token comprises dataassociated with the user and the second computer system.
 8. The methodof claim 1 wherein the outputting from the app running upon thesmart-device the ephemeral ID signal to a plurality of interfacedevices, comprises outputting the ephemeral ID via short-rangecommunications channel; wherein the communications channel comprisesBluetooth low energy (BLE).
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein theoutputting from the app running upon the smart-device the ephemeral IDsignal to a plurality of interface devices, comprises outputting theephemeral ID via short-range communications channel; wherein thecommunications channel is selected from a group consisting of: Zigbeeand NFC.
 10. A smart device comprising: a processor; a short-rangetransceiver coupled to the processor; a wide-area transceiver coupled tothe processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memorycomprises a software application including code configured to beexecuted on the processor, wherein the application is configured to:direct the processor form an ephemeral ID signal, wherein the ephemeralID signal comprises a first data portion including data associated witha server and a second data portion including data not associated with auser; direct the processor to output the ephemeral ID signal with theshort-range transceiver the ephemeral ID to a plurality of interfacedevices, wherein the plurality of interface devices comprises a firstinterface device associated with a first computer system and a secondinterface device associated with a second computer system, wherein thefirst computer system is separate from the second computer system;direct the processor to receive with the short-range transceiver fromthe first interface device an identifier associated with the firstcomputer system and a first nonce; direct the processor to output withthe wide-area transceiver to the server at least a portion of theidentifier associated with the first computer system and the firstnonce; direct the processor to receive with the wide-area transceiver afirst token associated with the first computer system in response to theportion of the identifier associated with the first computer system andthe first nonce, wherein the first token authorizes access to the firstcomputer system by the smart-device, wherein the first token is notassociated with the second computer system; and direct the processor tostore in the memory the first token associated with the first computersystem.
 11. The smart device of claim 10 wherein the data not associatedwith the user comprises data selected from a group consisting of: randomdata, pseudo random data, and data selected from a predetermined set ofdata.
 12. The smart device of claim 10 wherein the short-rangetransceiver comprises a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transceiver.
 13. Thesmart device of claim 10 wherein the wide-area transceiver is selectedfrom a group consisting of: a WiFi transceiver, a cellular servicetransceiver, a 4G transceiver, a 5G transceiver.
 14. The smart device ofclaim 10 wherein the short-range transceiver comprises a communicationstandard selected from a group consisting of: NFC and Zigbee; andwherein the wide-area transceiver comprises a communication standardselected from a group consisting of: cellular, 4G and 5G.
 15. The smartdevice of claim 10 wherein the application is also configured to: directthe processor to receive with the short-range transceiver from thesecond interface device an identifier associated with the secondcomputer system and a second nonce; direct the processor to output withthe wide-area transceiver to the server at least a portion of theidentifier associated with the second computer system and the secondnonce; direct the processor to receive with the wide-area transceiver asecond token associated with the second computer system in response tothe portion of the identifier associated with the second computer systemand the second nonce, wherein the second token authorizes access to thesecond computer system by the smart-device, wherein the second token isnot associated with the first computer system; and direct the processorto store in the memory the second token associated with the secondcomputer system.
 16. The smart device of claim 10 wherein theapplication is configured to output with the short-range transceiver tothe first interface device the first token.
 17. An authorization systemcomprises: a smart device configured to form an ephemeral ID signal,wherein the ephemeral ID signal comprises a first data portion includingdata associated with a server and a second data portion including datanot associated with the user, wherein the smart device is configured toprovide the ephemeral ID signal to a plurality of interface devices,wherein the plurality of interface devices comprises a first interfacedevice associated with a first computer system and a second interfacedevice associated with a second computer system, wherein the firstcomputer system is separate from the second computer system; the firstinterface device coupled to the smart device, wherein the firstinterface device is configured to scan for ephemeral ID signals in ageographic area proximate to the first interface device; wherein thefirst interface device is configure to receive the ephemeral ID signal,wherein the first interface device is configured to authenticate theephemeral ID signal, and wherein the first interface device isconfigured to provide a first identifier and a first nonce to the smartdevice; the second interface device coupled to the smart device, whereinthe second interface device is configured to scan for ephemeral IDsignals in a geographic area proximate to the second interface device;wherein the second interface device is configure to receive theephemeral ID signal, wherein the second interface device is configuredto authenticate the ephemeral ID signal, and wherein the secondinterface device is configured to provide a second identifier and asecond nonce to the smart device; wherein the smart device is configuredto receive the first identifier and the first nonce from the firstinterface device, wherein the smart device is configured to provide thefirst identifier and the first nonce to the server, wherein the smartdevice is configured to receive the second identifier and the secondnonce from the second interface device, and wherein the smart device isconfigured to provide the second identifier and the second nonce to theserver; and a server coupled to the smart device, wherein the server isconfigured to receive the first identifier and the first nonce from thesmart device, wherein the server is configured to form a first tokenassociated with the first interface device in response to the firstidentifier and the first nonce, wherein the server is configured toprovide the first token to the smart device, wherein the first tokenauthorizes access to the first computer system by the smart-device,wherein the first token is not associated with the second computersystem, wherein the server is configured to receive the secondidentifier and the second nonce from the smart device, wherein theserver is configured to form a second token associated with the secondinterface device in response to the second identifier and the secondnonce, and wherein the server is configured to provide the second tokento the smart device, wherein the second token authorizes access to thesecond computer system by the smart-device, wherein the second token isnot associated with the first computer system.
 18. The authorizationsystem of claim 17 wherein the first interface device comprises ashort-range communications channel configured to provide the firstidentifier and the first nonce to the smart device; wherein theshort-range communications channel is selected from a group consistingof: a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transceiver, a Zigbee transceiver andan NFC transceiver.
 19. The authorization system of claim 17 wherein thesmart device is configured to output to the first interface device thefirst token; and wherein the smart device is configured to output to thesecond interface device the second token.
 20. The authorization systemof claim 17 wherein the server comprises a wide-area communicationsprotocol configure to provide the first token to the smart device; andwherein the wide-area communications protocol is selected from a groupconsisting of: WiFi, cellular, 4G, 5G and GSM.